Saying Goodbye for Christmas

So for many months I feel like I have had 100 juggling balls in the air. The house is coming on well, albeit it at the pace of a drunken snail. I have been desperately trying to complete my Teaching English as a Foreign Language course, with the aim of using my brain and having a bit of financial input into our family. The drowning in paperwork due to Brexit, and what may or may not happen, has caused many glasses of wine to be drunk; in amongst the normal day to day life of being wife, mother, PA, cleaner, accountant, secretary, gardener, builder, interior designer and pretty much whatever other crap might show its head. But, life continues to be good. We are healthy, happy and getting ready for Christmas and 2019, albeit it without our sailor!

We have just waved good bye to him for 2 months. All feeling sad, lonely and the children are at the stage of pushing every boundary to see where the land lies now their daddy isn’t around. It happens every time he goes away and also when he gets back. I know it only lasts a few days but it still drives me insane.

This is his first Christmas away since the boys were born so we have been very lucky and its time to take our turn. No matter how many times I say that, it doesn’t get any easier. We packed him off with his advent calendar, presents and cards and although it will be tough for us it will be even harder on him. At least we will be with friends and family in an environment we know and love.

Obviously we are all really keen to get the house finished and the boys are so ready for their own rooms. As I write this I can hear them whispering nicely; then arguing; then the shouts of “he’s hit me,” ” he’s farted on me,” come echoing through the wall and although funny I cannot wait for them to have their own space. It won’t be long – I keep telling myself and it will all be worth it. As I sit in the part of the house that is completed, looking at what we have achieved and how much I love it I know it will happen and I just have to be patient. A few more months and we will have the home we could envisage upon entering that very first day.

Life married to a sailor can be tough and its difficult having to spend important days or events without them. But, on the other hand, when they are home its quality time. It is so important to focus on the positives and take advantage of every day you have together and remember – they don’t want to be away, it’s not their fault, it’s their job!